Last update - 00:00 24/12/2006
Gaidamak considers running for mayorship of Jerusalem
By Lily Galili, Haaretz Correspondent
Arkady Gaidamak is examining the possibility of competing for the
mayorship of Jerusalem in the elections in two years' time. His plans have not yet been formalized, but Gaidamak has already consulted with friends in Moscow who could assist him in making such a move. Associates of Gaidamak confirmed that he is considering the move, and that he has consulted with ultra-Orthodox circles in the capital.
The idea came up when Gaidamak became involved in trying to mediate between the warring sides over the holding of the Gay Pride parade in Jerusalem.
Gaidamak was recently heard saying he could "easily win in Jerusalem." He is convinced he would have the support of both the ultra-Orthodox sector and the fans of the Beitar Jerusalem club (which he owns), the necessary electoral base for winning.
One of the steps he has taken so far in this direction is the strengthening of his ties with the ultra-Orthodox sector in general and that in Jerusalem in particular. He has also made a point of stressing his own connections with Jewish tradition. This investment in the ultra-Orthodox sector was evident in the turn-out by Haredi representatives at Gaidamak's Hanukkah party last week.
The number of MKs from the United Torah Judaism and Shas factions was
surprisingly high. The elderly Rabbi Menachem Porush, a former MK, said he had come to the party out of respect for the host.
At the same time, sources close to Gaidamak told Haaretz that running for
mayor would require him to make a statement of his assets and take off a long period of time from his business interests. An alternative option would be for him to support the election of Benjamin Netanyahu as prime minister in return for a promise that he would be appointed a cabinet minister preferably for Diaspora affairs without having to be an MK.
Gaidamak is reportedly going to turn his attention now to promoting the
Russian-speaking public, and to present Netanyahu as a central speaker at
events he is planning to organize with this public.